The 2024 Paris Olympics are just around the corner, and the city is buzzing with excitement as the world prepares to witness the most ambitious opening ceremony in Olympic history. For the first time ever, they will hold the ceremony in a traditional stadium, but rather on the iconic Seine River.

Over 10,000 athletes from 206 countries will sail down the river on elaborately decorated barges, passing by some of Paris’ most famous landmarks, including the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower. This floating parade promises to be a truly unique and breathtaking spectacle, giving viewers a never-before-seen perspective on the Parade of Nations.

Capturing the Ceremony

As an Olympic photographer, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the challenges and opportunities this unconventional ceremony will present. Instead of the typical stadium shots, we’ll be aiming to capture the athletes and their boats against the stunning Parisian cityscape. The prospect of having the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop is incredibly exciting, and we’ll be doing our best to secure the perfect vantage point to make that happen. 

Of course, with the ceremony taking place on the river, there are some logistical hurdles to overcome. The massive crowds lining the banks of the Seine will make it a challenge to navigate and find the ideal shooting positions. With the ceremony expected to last over four hours, we’ll need to be strategic in managing my energy and equipment to ensure I’m able to capture the full event.

A Truly Unique Celebration

Despite the challenges, I’m thrilled to be a part of this historic moment. The organizers have truly gone above and beyond to “revolutionize” the opening ceremony, making it more accessible to the public while maintaining the grandeur and spectacle that the Olympics are known for. 

With over a billion people expected to tune in worldwide, this ceremony has the potential to be a defining moment in Olympic history. We can’t wait to share my unique perspective and behind-the-scenes stories as we capture this one-of-a-kind celebration of sport and international unity.

Stay tuned for more updates as the 2024 Paris Olympics get underway! Follow for more!